RECOVERY FROM CESAREAN
BIRTH
Childbirth
can be one of the most gratifying experiences of a womans life,
whether the birth is vaginal or cesarean. Like any other mother, you
eagerly anticipate the first glimpse of your infant and assuming the
tasks of motherhood. The initiation of the mothering role after a
cesarean birth, however, may be somewhat delayed during the first
postpartum days due to the stress of surgery and postoperative
discomfort.
The baby born by cesarean receives basically the same
care as the baby delivered vaginally. However, more suctioning of mucus
to clear the babys airway is required since the baby did not travel
through the birth canal, where pressure helps bring up excess fluid and
mucus.
If you are awake during the birth, we recommend that you
ask to see and touch the baby in the operating room. The baby will then
be taken to the nursery by the pediatrician. The mother will have to be
separated from the infant during the incision repair, but please
remember that the father may accompany the pediatrician to the nursery.
Every effort will be made for the parents to be with the
baby in the recovery room.
During Recovery
The average stay in the recovery room is one to
two hours. During this time, well frequently check your blood
pressure, pulse, and vaginal bleeding. Telephones are in the recovery
room so that you may call relatives and friends in between these
checks if you wish. We encourage your coach to be with you to assist
with this and to provide comfort.
Medication for postoperative discomfort is available. The
postoperative discomfort experienced after a cesarean is different for
every woman. Please let the nurses know when you are uncomfortable.
While in the recovery room, the nursing staff may have to rotate or
turn you; they may also ask you to cough and breathe deeply. In order
to cooperate, you must be comfortable.
Ask to have the baby brought to you. Early contact with the
newborn is important, and holding your newborn is an experience
without equal. Mothers who plan to breastfeed may want to begin doing
so in the recovery room.
Immediately Postpartum
Plan for your coach to be with you when you return to
your room. It is important to note that, as a cesarean mother, you may
not be able to mother your child immediately. You may need time
to adjust to your feelings about the surgery, the discomfort, and to
center on yourself before reaching out to your child.
The presence of the coach to hold the baby, fill in
the gaps of your memory, and meet your needs (sips of water, calling
the nurse, rearranging pillows) all help to hasten this process.
The First 24 Hours After Delivery
Intravenous (IV) fluids for 2436 hours.
Catheter in bladder for 1224 hours.
Cough, turn, and deep breathe every two hours. The lungs require
extra attention after surgery. Breathing must be as deep as possible,
since all parts of the lungs need to be well ventilated so that the
increased mucus will not sink to the bases, where it will be difficult
to dislodge.
Huffing is much easier, more effective, and less painful than
coughing for the postoperative patient. Take a deep breath in and
breathe outward, saying Ha briskly. This must be done quickly to
dislodge any mucus. Support the incision with your hands, a pillow, or
any other soft item, and rest assured that your stitches will not pull
out.
Get up and out of bed, with help, three or four times each day.
Feed your baby on demand.
Sip water as tolerated, progressing to a clear liquid diet.
Medication for discomfort is administered through a patient-
controlled analgesia unit (PCA); it may be continuous or controlled
manually by you as needed.
First Day After Surgery
IV usually remains until you are taking adequate
liquids.
Catheter is removed. Notify a nurse for assistance to the
bathroom.
Clear liquid diet will progress to cream soups and milk products,
along with toast and crackers.
Oral medication is available for discomfort.
PCA is usually discontinued.
You can sit up and walk to the bathroom with help. Start Phase 1
of post-cesarean birth exercises and progress to the next phase when
comfortable.
The large dressing on your incisions is removed, and a light
dressing is reapplied.
Second Day After Surgery
IV is usually removed.
Diet progresses to soft foods when youre passing gas easily.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Get up as desired and gradually increase walking.
Gas pains may be uncomfortable, but they indicate the return of
bowel activity. If you are unable to pass the intestinal gas easily,
ask for a rectal suppository for relief.
Staples are removed from the incision, and steri strips are
applied. You may shower while using plastic wrap over the incision to
keep it dry. If the steri strips become wet, ask the nurse for a
hand-held hair dryer to dry them.
The intestines are very sluggish after surgery. You will be given
a stool softener with a mild laxative to assist you in having your
first bowel movement more easily.
Wear high-waisted underwear and use adhesive-backed sanitary pads
for your comfort and protection.
Third Day After Surgery and Beyond
Maintain a regular diet as tolerated.
Get up and move about as desired.
Continue to progress with post- cesarean birth exercises. Increase
walking to a comfortable distance within two weeks.
You may drive a car after two weeks.
Lift nothing heavier than your new baby for the first three weeks.
After six weeks, you may return to vigorous activity.
You may resume intercourse when vaginal bleeding decreases, and
when you are comfortable.
Generally, youll experience only stiffness when sitting and
rising. A prescription is available to take home if you are still
uncomfortable.
The incision does not need to be covered with a dressing unless
you desire one. Steri strips are to be left in place for 10 days, then
you may remove them. Blow dry strips after showering.
You may take tub baths after 10 days.
Bowel movements may still not be regular, so use a stool softener
if necessary.
You will have one postoperative appointment in the office at six
weeks.
A
Guide for Expecting Parents